The European Commission presented and signed a declaration with several nuclear stakeholders to strengthen research, innovation, education and training on small modular reactors (‘SMRs’) by 2030, at a conference on EU strategic autonomy and future energy systems on Tuesday 4 April.
“EU technological sovereignty will require joint efforts in education, training, research, and innovation, to properly manage radioactive waste and spent fuel and develop the technologies of tomorrow”, said Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.
Small modular reactors are seen by the European Commission as “a promising option” to replace old coal-fired power plants and to complement the development of renewable energy.
At the conference, the Commission also presented the 2023-2025 Euratom Research and Training Work Programme. Within this framework, the first Innovation Action was launched with €15 million to enhance the safety of European small modular light water reactors.
To see the statement: https://aeur.eu/f/68u
To see the 2023-2025 Euratom Research and Work Programme : https://aeur.eu/f/68t (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)